Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to D L Sorenson.
This paper traces the evolution of "life event timing" with particular emphasis on the derived concept, "life event timing synchrony." Life event timing synchrony refers to the degree to which an experience is perceived as harmonious and congruent with an individual's temporal expectations. Pregnancy serves as an illustration for application. Suggestions for further theoretical and empirical development are provided.
Although often unrecognized by care providers, uncertainty during pregnancy is universally experienced. The antecedents to uncertainty are exemplified with qualitative data from interviews with pregnant women. The following antecedents are discussed: (1) symptom patterns; (2) event familiarity; (3) event congruence; (4) cognitive capacity; (5) structure providers; and (6) credible authority. The importance of exploring uncertainty during pregnancy stems from the relationship between the stress associated with uncertainty and perinatal complications. Negative caregiver reactions to uncertainty that can intensify stress include ignorance, intolerance, and indifference. Suggestions for nursing assessments and interventions during prenatal care are provided.
Although women's pattern of employment during pregnancy has markedly changed in the last 30 years, no research has explored the basis of contemporary women's decision making regarding employment during pregnancy. Conceptualizing pregnancy within a life span developmental perspective of adulthood, we used descriptive statistics and content analysis on data from 210 pregnant women to identify factors that influence employment decisions during pregnancy. Intrinsic reasons for working during pregnancy included self-actualization, escape from home, employment identity, and interpersonal contact. Extrinsic reasons for working included money, financial obligations, and employment setting compatibility. Intrinsic reasons for not working during pregnancy included pregnancy-related limitations, home identity, complexity, and family responsibilities. Extrinsic reasons for not working included financial juggle, job availability, and employment setting incompatibility. The results form a basis for anticipatory guidance recommendations for pregnant women.